About this Letter
The text is a letter written by Levi D. Green to his parents during the Civil War. The letter starts by Levi reassuring his parents about his well-being and health. He mentions that he has been to the Black Water, where he went on a forced march. In this part of the letter, he shows his concern for his parents by asking them to save their buckwheat.
Levi also shares a glimpse of the war experience with his parents, mentioning that he saw a man who had his leg shot off next to his body. He highlights the harsh realities of war and the impact it has had on people’s lives. He also mentions that he has been to many places where the “sesesh” (a derogatory term used to describe Confederate soldiers) once lived happily but have now gone to spoil the Union.
The next part of the letter shows Levi’s request for stamps and his letters to be sent to him at Fortress Monroe, care Capt. Hakes Co. E 130 Regt. He also expresses his longing for his hometown and the desire to drink from their spring once more and have his gun loaded up. He also mentions that Marvin is well.
According to the researcher’s note, Levi was part of the 130th Regiment, and his company consisted of 97 men and three officers, including Captain Hakes. Captain Hakes would have played an essential role in the lives of Levi and Marvin Green. The two Greens lived in Wellsville, New York, and lived on a farm with their father and mother.
In conclusion, the letter gives us a glimpse into the life of a soldier during the Civil War. Levi’s letter showcases his concern for his parents and his longing for home. It also highlights the harsh realities of war and the impact it had on people’s lives. The researcher’s note provides further context to the letter, adding to its historical significance.
Letter Transcript
FROM LEVI D. GREEN TO “DEAR FATHER AND MOTHER” – OCTOBER 6, 1862
Dear father and mother and all I am well and in good health, i have been to Black Watter we went on a force march. I want you to save your buckwheat. I saw a man that had his leg shot off next to his body.
I have been to meney a place where the sesesh once lived happa but now they have gone to spoil the union.
Send me some stamps. Send your letters Fortress Monroe care Capt. Hakes Co. E 130 Regt. Levi D. Green.
I would like drink from our spring once more have my gun lade up. Marvin is well.
Researcher’S note: In the 130th, each company would consist of 97 men and three officers. Captain Hakes would have played an essential role in the lives of Marvin and Levi Green. Captain Hakes, whose first name was Wheeler, shared a name, with Marvin being named Marvin Wheeler Green. Both men lived in the same town of Wellsville, New York.
While the two Green boys lived on a farm with their father, William Erastus Green (25 Jan 1816 – Jul 1884), and their mother, Zilpha Ann Wheeler Green (1818 – 1911), they would have to know each other and had a close working relationship with the boys. I have dedicated a page to Captain Hakes, and you can find more about their commanding officer HERE.